Position Overview 

Workforce and Career Development Navigation is a fast-paced and very hands-on job requiring high-levels of nuanced people skills, creativity with a solutions focus, and extreme flexibility as well as self-management by those who are comfortable in a wide variety of unconventional situations working with a much challenged population in scattered sites and in the field throughout the County of Riverside. Additionally, workforce and career development navigation requires a high level of detailed documentation and file work. 

The Workforce and Career Development Navigator, under the direction of the Manager of Case Management, provides client advocacy, case management, employment support, and linkage to employment related services. Workforce and Career Development Navigators will provide individualized client support by helping each client develop an employment plan to address their barriers, increase their income, and maintain and sustain permanent employment. As part of the plan, the Workforce and Career Development Navigator will identify each area in which clients will need assistance to accomplish the outlined goals and objectives (i.e. scheduling interviews, support in applying for training or education, and assistance in addressing background barriers, etc.) and the Workforce and Career Development Navigator will take responsibility for their clients’ success. 

Responsibilities: 

• Actively participate in staff meetings and trainings. 

• Engage clients and establish trusting, collaborative relationships directed toward the goal of competitive employment in an integrated job setting. 

• Encourage and promote an environment that is strength based to assist clients in meeting their individual employment goals. 

• Respond to referrals and client’s request for case management assessment and intervention within required response time. 

• Conduct employment screening interviews and assessments, complete intake documentation, coordinate job leads and job search activities, and assist with applications, resumes, and other pertinent information for employment that are consistent with consumers’ needs and interests. 

• Provide onsite case management services in the areas of employment linkage, benefits establishment, and other employment services as needed to assist in reaching consumer’s employment plan goals. 

• Based on agreement with participants, provides education and support to employers, which may include negotiating job accommodations and follow-along contact with employers. 

• Use of personal vehicle to travel to scattered sites throughout Riverside County and transport clients. 

• Using information gathered from a Motivational Interview, draws up individual employment plans (SMART Goals) with participants, Achievement Coaches or Housing Navigators, and other treatment team providers and updates plans quarterly. 

• Spends at least 60 percent of direct service time in the community to engage and support participants, family members, and employers. 

• Work with, support, and help direct teams of volunteers giving direct support to your clients. 

• Maintain client related data tracking systems, including case notes, forms, and personal documents. 

• Maintain an “On Call” status to respond to emergencies as assigned.  

• Other duties as assigned 

Preferred Qualifications 

• Education and experience equivalent to undergraduate degree in mental health or social services, business, personnel management, or vocational services. 

• A working knowledge and practice of Motivational Interviewing, Trauma Informed Care, and the cognitive approach to providing social services and development services. 

• A working knowledge of the “hidden rules” and motivating factors and dynamics of social class and generational poverty in America. 

• Computer skills with proficiency in Microsoft Office, Excel and (preferably) Access. 

• Experience working with individuals that are chronically unemployed is preferred. 

• Strong interpersonal skills to engage participants and employers. 

• Demonstrated ability to work independently and as an effective team player. 

• Strong written and verbal communication skills. 

• Must maintain and execute confidential information. 

• Highly motivated self-starter and ability to coordinate multiple projects/tasks simultaneously in a highpressure environment. 

• Ability to work with diverse communities and exercise mature judgment. 

• Problem solving and conflict resolution skills. 

Required Qualifications 

• Employment eligibility verification. 

• Reliable personal (not public) transportation available at all times. 

• Updated tuberculosis test. 

• Successful completion of background screening. 

Physical Requirements: 

Workforce and Career Development Navigators are occasionally required to visit clients in non-conventional locations, sometimes while carrying supplies and needed equipment. This may include… 

• Walking extensive distances 

• Walking on unlevelled terrain 

• Carrying up to 30lbs for extensive distances